Double-Headers

This is the flip-side of bye weeks.

Sometimes league directors will schedule double headers in lieu of having bye weeks for leagues with an uneven amount of teams. This can be stressful and very tiring at any level, but it can be particularly so for the younger athletes.

There are several strategies available to you as coach. You can "coast", "load", or "spread". First, let's talk about coasting. The coasting strategy basically admits that your kids probably won't be able to handle two games, so you're doing whatever you can to get through it. In my opinion, this is the worst of the three options, but it is viable, and as such it's listed. With this strategy, you probably also have a glum attitude toward the double-header week... Regardless, do the best you can, and move forward to fight another day. I'll save the in-depth explanations in an effort to steer you toward either loading or spreading...

In loading, you basically gear up to play your absolute best during the first game, and then taking whatever's left in the second game (mini-coasting). Honestly, when you're 6 or 7, usually one game is a lot - so there's no shame in doing this. Typically, the second team you play will understand the situation, and you can work together if your kids run out of gas... The loading strategy typically yields good results due to peer pressure - a few of the kids will still have energy for game two, and the rest of the team can sometimes be convinced that they then also have energy. Either way, you get at least one solid game out of your team - and that's enough to build on going into the next round of games.

For the spread strategy, prepare your team to play two full games. You may adjust practice slightly to focus on more endurance-related skills. You might also play a deeper rotation - or be sure to get everyone solid minutes in rotation to keep them fresher... This varies by sport, and can be fairly easy or difficult to pull off depending on your particular team. I like this strategy for the older kids - 8, 9 - but the 5-7's probably work better off the loading strategy.

Since double headers will eventually be part of life - embrace them. Try loading or spreading to ensure your team has solid game experience to build on for next time.

Father's Day...

Good evening - Happy Father's Day.

Like the Mother's Day post, this one is going to be a little bit reflective. One of the reasons I've been writing this blog is to provide a place for potential coaches to look for information - and maybe inspiration. I assume many of those potential coaches would be dads...

If you haven't experienced coaching your kids, it is a great experience. Of course, it can be tough, too, because your child may not always be the best on the team, and might not always be as successful as you'd like. Consider that in the big picture of life... I can't explain how it feels when they look you in the eye with so much excitement and enthusiasm for the game they're playing... sometimes it's literally for no other reason than you're out there on the field with them.

I have talked to many, many other parents who have coached their kids - nearly all have shared in this same experience. If your motivation is to help, support, motivate, and teach - I think you'd be hard-pressed to fail. That said, I would suggest understanding the game, knowing the rules, and knowing how the league is structured before you leap. It's best to have your "what am I doing" moment prior to the first game...

But back to the point... Dads, be there for your kids. They'll love it, and it will mean more to them than you'll know. As a bonus, you'll feel great.

Happy coaching.

Names

Back from the trip to Austin, ready for more blogging...

One of the most important things for me is to learn everyone's name. I'm not good at this, and I frequently use the wrong names at first, but quickly I am able to put faces with names.

There's probably been a billion studies on calling people by their names and the benefits vs. the alternative (hey you?!).

As a coach, you command more authority when you know people's names. You also make your team members feel important, and wanted. It is easier to praise, easier to encourage, and easier to critique and coach when you're on a first-name basis. This also allows other parents to learn kids' names as well, because they hear them more often.

I don't have any memory games, or any tips or tricks for doing it... Sorry - that's probably another blog. But the benefits of knowing names (hopefully by the end of the first practice - which is BEFORE the first game) are many.

Happy coaching.

Be Prepared

Not like in the Boy Scouts or anything like that... well, on second thought - maybe like that. There will be some tangible, Earthly goods that will make your coaching gig significantly easier. Here's the breakdown, by sport...

Soccer: I always buy my own soccer ball to use at practices (and during games when necessary). This way, you can easily demonstrate a drill without constantly borrowing Little Sally's ball. You can also participate in the drills with the kids, which they enjoy. Another essential thing is a set of 4 or 8 small cones. These are the little orange or brightly-colored ones in any store for like $2. They are invaluable for setting up boundaries, obstacles, or marking spots on the field. I'd also suggest buying your own goal (or two). They have collapsible ones now, which are pretty nice. These are a little more money, but the advantage is you'll always have a goal to shoot at or defend wherever you practice.

Football: First thing here is also a ball - for both practice and the games. Get the right size, of course, and make sure it's made of good, durable material - preferably other than rubber. Do they still make those? I remember those from when I was a kid... Next thing you'll need is the cones (see above). If the league doesn't provide them, also buy yourself a set of flags - 1 set per player, probably 1-2 extra sets. Nothing worse than not being able to practice basic offense or flag pulling 'cuz you don't have any...

Basketball: Ball. For this, you can go with the youth size - especially if you're coaching your own kid. Otherwise, you could choose to get the full-sized ball for yourself in demonstrations... Cones are ok here, but not necessary - you can use court markings for drills and boundaries unless you're on a random hunk of asphalt... It doesn't really make sense to buy your own hoops here - use those in a gym, park, or school (or your own home, if you're so inclined) - but hoops are large, bulky, difficult to transport, and I consider the portable ones to be somewhat dangerous.

Baseball: Buy several "tee-ball" or soft-core baseballs. At least 5-6. They'll get lost, too, but you'll always be using all you have. I'd suggest owning your own glove - especially in coached pitched leagues where you have good players. Those liners come back fast - "soft-core" or not... I'd suggest having at least 1 good aluminum bat for you (practice) and the team. It's also not a bad idea to carry around your own rubber or plastic bases. This makes your practice more portable. Baseball hat and sunglasses help in sunny weather, too. You'll be surprised how small that ball is when you're looking for it in the air...

General things you should have include a stopwatch, whistle, and marker-board. The marker-board is usually in the form of a clipboard, but it's great for diagramming plays or for drawing out a drill.

With all of your gear, you may look like a pack mule, but you'll be ready - and eliminate some of your needless hassles.